Tutorial to Install Cyanogen Mod 7.1 Custom ROM in HTC Desire HD

Cheers to all all HTC Desire HD users as they can easily update their smartphone with the latest Cyanogen mod 7.1 version. Cyanogen Mod is a custom ROM developed by Cyanogen Team in an alliance with the league of ROM developers. This ROM brings in the latest Gingerbread 2.3.7 version along with a number of enhancements that we will be taking a look at in a short while.

We wont be responsible for any harm caused to your device during the updation procedure that is unlikely to happen if you follow the instructions carefully. The updation procedure is not recommended for basic users but is for advanced users and is only applicable to HTC Desire HD smartphones that are network unlocked. Do not apply it in any other device as it might not be reversible and may harm the device by blocking it.

Let’s take a look at some of the enhancements that come with this CyanogenMod 7.1.0 version.

Better app management tools and facilities as it supports various folder lock applications

Quadrant rank increased to a whopping 30%

Pre-Requisites:

You must backup all user data present in your phone since chances of data loss or corruption are there. Having a backup will help you replace the lost data if any damage occurs. You can easily backup and restore all your data by following the link posted below.

Before proceeding into the updation procedure you have to root and install custom recovery in your Desire HD smartphone. Follow the link posted below and those of you who have already rooted your smartphone can ignore the link.

Basically there are two methods to install this custom ROM in your HTC Sensation smartphone. First is by Recovery mode and another one is by using ROM Manager method. It is suggested that you opt for Recovery mode method and if this fails you

can then go for updating via ROM Manager. Let’s go through both of the procedures in detail.

Recovery Method:

Step-1: Download Cyanogen Mod7.1 Custom Firmware and Google Apps mentioned in the Must Have section to your computer and connect your smartphone to the computer or laptop via original USB Cable obtained at purchase time. Do not rename or modify the file in any manner else it wont get detected.

Step-2: Copy both the downloaded files to the root of your phone’s SD Card. Do not place them deep into any folders else your phone won’t be able to detect the updated file. After you have copied all the files, remove the connected USB Cable and power off the phone.

Step-3: Now enter into Recovery Mode by pressing the Volume Down button and Power button simultaneously. In Recovery mode select the option of “Clear Storage” to clear off all cache files present in your phone. Now choose ”Install zip from SD Card” > “Choose zip from SD Card” and select the file named as “update-cm-7.1.0-DesireHD-signed.zip” followed by “gapps-gb-20110828-signed.zip” from the list of files displayed.

In case you receive an error message as “E: Signature Failed” it indicates that the phone has not been rooted properly and you have to re-apply the rooting procedure again.

Step-3: Now again select ”Install zip from SD Card” > “Choose zip from SD Card” and select the Google Apps Zip file kept in your phone. After the updation process is complete, you will again land up in Recovery mode. Now choose “++++Go Back++++” then “Reboot system now” option to restart the phone.

If you face any issues during the updation process then re-insert the battery and re-apply the whole procedure again from the beginning. If you are still unable to update then follow the ROM Manager method as mentioned below.

ROM Manager Method:

Step-1: Download ROM Manager Application in your phone from the Must Have section. After downloading is complete, you need to open the app and when asked for the root access, select the option of “Allow”.

Step-2: Select the option of Back up ROM so that in case any mishap occurs during the firmware updating process then you can restore the original ROM at any point of time. Next select the option of “install zip from SD Card” > “Choose zip from SD Card” and select the Zip file named as “update-cm-7.1.0-DesireHD-signed.zip” followed by “gapps-gb-20110828-signed.zip”.

Step-3: Now choose the options of “++++Go Back++++” > “Reboot System Now” to restart the phone. If the process gets interrupted somewhere in the middle then repeat the entire procedure again from the start.

Thus you can easily update your HTC Sensation smartphone with the latest Cyanogen Mod7.1 update by following the steps mentioned above carefully.